Baja Multisport: Gray Whales, Hiking and Sea Kayaking

The Baja Multisport: Gray Whales, Hiking and Sea Kayaking is an off the beaten path journey visiting the coastlines of Baja California.

This trip is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that visits both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. Every year the Whale makes its annual migration from the Chirikof Basin to Magdalena Bay, a round trip of some 12,400 miles making it one of the longest migration by any mammal. During the whale’s winter visit, they calve and nurse in the shallow lagoons. These amazing Gray Whale nursing grounds are protected by strict Mexican environmental and ecological legislation. We are careful to observe these regulations by exclusively working with licensed cooperatives that have trained boat drivers. This in turn helps support local fishermen and their families.

This trip is ideal for active travelers wanting to experience Baja’s world famous biodiversity and stark geography through a multitude of outdoor adventure activities. Hiking, sea-kayaking, surfing, town tours, and snorkeling are all included in this exciting itinerary that visits both Baja’s Pacific and Sea of Cortez coasts. There are also options for SCUBA diving, fishing and horseback riding. Any Baja California Multisport Adventure can be followed immediately by 9 days hiking the magnificent Copper Canyon.

Highlights

The Grey Whales – Enjoy boat trips into the lagoons getting a chance for arms length encounters with the Pacific Gray Whales during their annual migration

Kayaking the Sea of Cortez – Sea-Kayaking expedition in the turquoise waters off the beautiful Island of Espiritu Santo where we will also enjoy guided walks and a visit sea lion colony at Los Islotes where we can swim and snorkel

Hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve – Hike into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve and experience the magic of cascading waterfalls in the spectacular cactus forests of this seldom visited desert wildernes.

Todos Santos – Explore the charming fishing village of full and try your hand at surfing at Los Cerritos beach

Dates & Prices

Prices

Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for exact pricing.

Dates

February 6, 2015
March 6, 2015

Important Notes

Group size: Minimum 2, maximum 10.

Please request specific itinerary for each departure upon confirmation as Journey Mexico reserves the right to change the order of trip activities due to availability constraints.

This trip is for a group departure but may be customized for a private journey.

* Please consult a travel planner for details and confirmation of dates

Itinerary

Day 1

La Paz
Transfer from airport and settle into lovely boutique hotel in Todos Santos. Meet group leader and other members of group for orientation in lobby of hotel at 8:00 P.M. Overnight: Hotel California or equivalent. No Meals

Day 2

Todos SantosMeet at 9:00 am in hotel courtyard and we’ll set out to explore the secluded coast line and pristine beaches surrounding the oasis town of Todos Santos. Our sea cliff hike takes us along miles of spectacular coastline with sweeping views of Baja’s stark and rugged beaches. After a beach picnic and perhaps a swim in the ocean, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the fascinating oasis of Todos Santos and its long history as an important community in S. Baja. Overnight: Hotel California or equivalent. B,L,D

Day 3

Waterfall Hike and Surfing
Today we set out to explore the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve and we transfer to the trail head where we begin walking up the arroyo (river bed). The landscape changes as the cactus forest thickens and then unexpectedly we come to not one, not two, but three different waterfalls in the middle of the desert. Enjoy the opportunity to splash about and take pictures or just relax with a wonderful picnic lunch. We then travel from the interior to the beautiful crescent shaped beach of Los Cerritos for an opportunity to try our hand at surfing in the gentle Pacific rollers. Late afternoon return to our beautiful accommodation and night out on the town at one of the many fantastic eateries. Overnight: Hotel California or equivalent. B,L,D

Day 4

Isla Espiritu Santo
After an early morning breakfast we transfer across the peninsula (1:30h) to our high speed motorboat that is waiting to take us out to Espiritu Santo Island. Your guide will discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea-kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. We then embark paddling the turquoise waters of Espiritu Santo Island beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at one of many beautiful beaches to for a picnic lunch. After lunch and a natural history walk, we board our speedy launch and ride to a beautiful off-shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Prepare to experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. We then return to our hotel in La Paz. Night out on the town for dinner! Overnight: Hotel 7 Crown Centro. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Magdalena Bay Whale Watching
La Paz – Magdalena Bay. Transfer to the shores of the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos – considered to be the finest whale-watching area in the La Paz proximity (transfer time is 3.5 hours). Typically within minutes of clambering aboard our motor skiffs we are out in the bay surrounded by Whales. The spectacle is quite amazing and several close up encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just quick drive to our accommodation in San Carlos. Relax and then freshen up before dining fresh seafood. Overnight: Hotel Brennan or equivalent. B,L,D

Day 6

Morning Whale Watching
Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before our second whale-watching trip. We will venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to immerse our selves amongst the whales. For the last ten years many of our guests have been thrilled by the whales swimming right alongside our boats giving them the extraordinary opportunity to pet them. We will return to Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz arriving at around 4.00pm. Overnight: Hotel Posada de las Flores or equivalent B,L,D

Day 7

Departure to La Paz or Los Cabos
Group taxis to airport or out of Los Cabos or extend your stay. (B)

“The staff was extremely courteous and knowledgeable about sea life and the ocean. After snorkeling on the reef in a beautiful cove with with a huge variety of tropical fish, we sailed further into the ocean to witness an abundance of whales and dolphin. It was spectacular! Throughout the afternoon we dined on freshly made guacamole and and assortment of authentic Mexican delicacies. Thank you Journey Mexico for arranging the catamaran. It was a the highlight of our vacation to your beautiful country!”— David Schuss